Our nutrition experts and testers have identified the best hydration supplements to help athletes, busy professionals, and daily wellness seekers stay hydrated. Each powder was rigorously reviewed for quality, taste, safety, and third-party testing to ensure you can find the right high-quality product to empower you as you hit your goals in work, sports, and life.

Best Electrolyte Powders of 2025

Best Electrolyte Powders Comparison Table

Best Electrolyte Powder Overall: Transparent Labs Hydrate

Our Thoughts on Transparent Labs Hydrate

Transparent Labs Hydrate is our pick for the best overall electrolyte powder because it includes optimal electrolyte ratios, clean sourcing, and flavor variety, all backed by third-party lab testing—a combination that makes it the best overall pick for anyone serious about performance, hydration, and health-conscious supplementation.

Pete, our team’s dietitian, tested Transparent Labs Hydrate, rating his first impression of the product a 5 out of 5. “I tested the individual stick packs,” he noted. “The product does come in a container as well, but this is the travel-friendly version. The stick packs are clearly labeled and were easy to rip open. While the writing is a bit small on the stick packs, it wasn’t too hard to read the nutrition facts information.”

He rated the mixability of this electrolyte powder as a 5 out of 5: it dissolved fully during the 60 seconds of shaking, and there were no visible clumps. Pete loved the flavor of this product, rating it a 5 out of 5 as well. He tested the peach mango flavor. “It was refreshing and delicious. The peach flavor really stands out, much more than the mango. It has a good balance of sweetness and flavor,” Pete said.

Pete didn’t experience any negative side effects after testing this electrolyte powder, saying he felt hydrated afterwards. “The Hydrate stick packs are extremely convenient and easy to use when you’re on the go,” he said. “The ingredient dosages also make sense for an electrolyte supplement. The product contains 500 milligrams of sodium, 250 milligrams of potassium, 50 milligrams of magnesium, and 84 milligrams of calcium. This would work well after a long workout or cardio session where the individual was sweating a lot, or when training in hot and humid conditions.”

Best Sugar-Free Electrolyte Powder: Kaged Hydration

Kaged Hydration

A five-electrolyte blend along with taurine and antioxidants

Our Thoughts on Kaged Hydration

Kaged Hydration is our pick for the best sugar-free electrolyte powder because it has essential hydration with five electrolytes, adds powerful antioxidant support for recovery, and offers fun, bold flavors—all with less than 1 gram of sugar per serving. It also includes coconut water powder and the Spectra™ blend, which is great for athletes and daily users alike who want a clean, certified supplement for optimal rehydration without excess salt or artificial ingredients. 

Rebecca tested this electrolyte powder, rating her first impression of the product as a 3 out of 5. “This is a small container of powder. It’s not as easy on-the-go as some of the single serve electrolyte packets they have now. It looks similar to lots of other supplements and powder products on the market,” she said. “There is a scooper provided inside to measure the powder, but it gets buried easily. The container opens and closes easily.”

She rated mixability as a 5 out of 5, noting: “This product dissolved easily within the 60 seconds of shaking it. There were no visible chunks leftover at the bottom or throughout the drink.”

Our tester tried Kaged Hydration in the pink lemonade flavor, rating the taste a 3 out of 5. “The product flavor is pretty strong, but not salty like some other products,” she wrote. “It’s not something I would prefer to drink regularly, but I can definitely get through it when needed.” Luckily, it didn’t have a chalky texture, though it’s a bit thicker than other electrolyte powders Rebecca tested. As a solution, she recommends adding a few extra ounces of water to dilute the flavor a little bit.

Rebecca did notice some side effects, rating her experience as a 3 out of 5. “There was a slightly weird aftertaste, but not as pungent as other supplements I’ve tried in the past. I didn’t experience any digestive side effects or any other issues,” she said.

Best Tasting Electrolyte Powder: Liquid IV

Liquid IV

An electrolyte powder with unique, refreshing flavors and effective hydration

Our Thoughts on Liquid IV

Liquid IV is our choice for the best tasting electrolyte powder thanks to its standout, enjoyable flavors that make routine hydration an enjoyable experience. The Cellular Transport Technology (CTT®) formula supports effective and fast hydration, making it a go-to for active lifestyles, travel, or whenever rapid replenishment is needed—but what truly sets it apart is the flavor experience, with nearly 30 different flavor varieties available. The brand also releases seasonal flavors year-round.

Kendall tried Liquid IV in the strawberry lemonade flavor, rating the ease of following the instructions as a 5 out of 5. “The directions are super easy to read and follow. It says to add one stick of the electrolyte powder to sixteen ounces of water and mix thoroughly before drinking,” she noted. 

Our tester also rated the mixability a 5 out of 5: “The product dissolved within the 60 seconds of mixing. The texture of the water looks cloudy, but there are no visible chunks.”

She found the sweetness a little overwhelming, giving it a score of 5 meaning she felt it had the maximum amount of sweetness. In addition, she found it a little thick, and suggested diluting it with extra water or adding ice. “Compared to other electrolyte packets that I’ve tried, this product is a little too sweet for me,” Kendall said. “There is no aftertaste, however. I would drink this if it was the only electrolyte provided in a situation where I need to hydrate.”

After trying out Liquid IV, Kendall definitely felt hydrated. She didn’t experience any digestive issues or weird aftertaste. Overall, Kendall said, “It’s a decent option for days when I need an extra hydration boost—like after a long workout, traveling, or being out in the heat. In general, I like that it’s convenient and easy to throw into my bag when I’m on the go, since I don’t always remember to drink enough water throughout the day.”

Best Electrolytes for Runners: LMNT

LMNT

A high-sodium, zero-sugar formula

Our Thoughts on LMNT

LMNT is our pick for the best electrolyte powder for runners because of its no-sugar, high-electrolyte formula that replaces exactly what endurance athletes lose on long runs or through intense sweating. It includes 1,000 milligrams of sodium, 200 milligrams of potassium, and 60 milligrams of magnesium per serving, along with no sugar, fillers, or artificial colors.

Kate tested LMNT, rating it a 5 out of 5 for her first impression. “The instructions are super clear: bolded text says to mix one stick pack with anywhere from 16 to 32 ounces of water to find your preferred taste.” We like that the brand acknowledges that different palates may prefer stronger or more diluted flavor. 

She rated the mixability of LMNT as a 4 out of 5. “The product dissolved for the most part—there was a slightly gritty texture during the first few sips, but I think it’s because I used a straw and some of the bottom residue got stuck,” Kate said. Overall, she enjoyed the texture and didn’t find it too salty.

Kate is a huge fan of LMT’s flavors, rating it a 5 out of 5 for taste—she uses this product almost daily. “To me, it tastes like a less potent yellow Gatorade; it’s not as sweet and sugary. The salt is not overwhelming, and the lemon-lime is just subtle enough to be enjoyable but not give me a stomachache,” Kate said.

Our tester thinks this is a great product for someone who is looking for additional nutrients with their electrolytes. “Since it has potassium and magnesium with sodium, I think it’s a great mix of healthy supplements,” Kate wrote. “These come in individual packets, so for anyone who wants an easy to transport and small packaged electrolyte, this is perfect.”

Best Electrolyte Powder for Everyday: Waterboy Daily Hydration

Waterboy Daily Hydration

A zero-sugar formula with natural ingredients

Our Thoughts on Waterboy Daily Hydration

Waterboy Daily Hydration is our pick for everyday electrolyte use because it packs a strong electrolyte punch without any sugar or artificial ingredients, making daily hydration easy and healthy. The addition of functional botanicals like ginger and l-theanine, vegan and gluten-free certification, and flavorful options ensure Waterboy is versatile for virtually any routine—from office days to workouts or a morning after a night out—with an accessible, user-friendly approach.

Rebecca tested Waterboy, rating it a 5 out of 5 for her first impression. “The packaging is aesthetic and pleasing, with vibrant colors that give you insight into the flavors,” she said. “It’s easy to take on the go with you since it comes in small packets that you can pour right into water. They’re easy to tear open, and the whole packet is one serving, so you don’t have to worry about measuring anything out.”

She rated mixability as a 5 out of 5 as well. “The product is quickly dissolvable. I didn’t even need to use a shaker bottle,” Rebecca said. “I used a stirring stick and it dissolved very quickly, in less than 60 seconds. There was no loose powder or chunks visible,” she said.

Rebecca liked the flavor as well, rating it a 5 out of 5 in this category. “The product tastes very light in the amount of water that I used,” she said. “It’s a nice hint of flavor without being too powerful. It also doesn’t have a salty taste like many of the other electrolytes I’ve used in the past. If you want to have a more bold flavor, I would recommend using less water. But if you’re looking for just a bit of flavor, mixing Waterboy in with around twelve ounces of water will work out well.

What Are Electrolytes? 

Electrolytes are essential minerals that carry an electric charge when dissolved in water, enabling them to regulate critical functions in the body. These minerals are found in blood, tissues, and other fluids, and are required for muscle function, nerve signaling, hydration, pH balance, and maintaining proper fluid levels in and around cells. 

Key electrolytes and their functions:

• Sodium: Maintains fluid balance, supports nerve and muscle function. 
• Potassium: Critical for proper heart, muscle, and nerve activity. 
• Chloride: Helps with fluid balance, blood volume, and pressure regulation. 
• Calcium: Essential for strong bones and teeth, muscle contraction, heart and nerve function. 
• Magnesium: Supports muscle function, nerve transmission, heart rhythm, and blood pressure. 
• Phosphate: Works with calcium for bone and tooth health. 
• Bicarbonate: Helps maintain the body’s acid-base (pH) balance.

How We Tested and Selected the Best Electrolyte Powders

Finding the best electrolyte powders requires a combination of scientific rigor, nutritional expertise, and attention to user experience. Our process centers on transparency, safety, and results.

Formula

We seek out blends that supply effective amounts of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and other essentials, while avoiding excessive sugar, artificial sweeteners, dyes, or preservatives. Only products meeting a high standard for efficacy and safety are considered.

Taste and Texture

Flavor is a major factor in adherence and satisfaction, so each powder undergoes blind taste testing by our team. Products are rated not only for overall taste but for sweetness (using a 1 to 5 scale, with 5 being very sweet), mouthfeel, and aftertaste. We make sure that a great electrolyte supplement is also enjoyable and easy to sip throughout the day.

Mixability  

To assess mixability, each powder is dissolved exactly as instructed by the manufacturer. We pay close attention to how easily the powder blends, whether it leaves any clumping or grittiness, and the overall experience of drinking the mixed supplement. Easy, residue-free mixing is a must for our top picks.

Third-Party Testing

Third-party testing is a strong indicator of product quality and trustworthiness, especially since supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA the way foods and drugs are. We prioritize products with certifications such as NSF Certified, Informed Sport, or similar independent verification — ensuring accurate labeling, purity, and the absence of banned substances, which is crucial for both athletes and everyday users.

Value

We weigh quality, ingredients, taste, testing, and price to recommend the best overall value. That way, you’re not just getting the most affordable product, but the one that delivers optimal health and hydration benefits for your investment.

How to Find the Best Electrolyte Supplement for You

Choosing an electrolyte supplement comes down to matching your unique needs, preferences, and lifestyle with the right formula. From athletic performance to flavor variety and ingredient transparency, knowing your priorities can help you select the best option for daily use or specific workouts.

Your Fitness Goals

Different athletes require different electrolyte profiles based on their activity level, sweat rate, and duration of exercise. Endurance athletes (runners, cyclists, triathletes), those training in hot or humid environments, and team sports players lose more sodium and fluids, making a higher-sodium, full-spectrum electrolyte supplement beneficial. For lighter activities or daily hydration, a milder formula may suffice. Tailor your choice based on whether you need extra sodium for marathon sessions, or a lighter option for general wellness. 

Athletes/sports that benefit most from electrolytes include:

• Runners and cyclists (especially during long-distance or high-heat events)
• High-intensity interval trainers (HIIT)
• Team sports athletes (soccer, basketball, football)
• Those training at altitude or in hot climates

Flavors

Selecting a flavor you enjoy is key to consistent hydration. Since you’re more likely to sip regularly if you like the taste, sample different options or buy variety packs before committing to a large tub. The best flavor is the one that helps you keep up your hydration habit day after day.

Amount of Electrolytes

Electrolyte needs are as individual as your routine and diet. Some people require more sodium or potassium due to higher sweat rates or dietary patterns (e.g., keto or vegan diets), while others want a lower dose. Always check the nutrition label for sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium content per serving, and compare the recommended daily values (RDVs) and your specific goals. Look for options that align with your macro needs—some include carbohydrates or added sugar for athletic performance, while others are sugar-free for daily use or weight management.

Cost

Electrolyte supplements range in price; while budget picks are available, premium and cleaner formulas often cost more. If you plan to use electrolytes every day, consider the price per serving, but remember that a high-quality supplement is a wise investment for consistent health and performance.

Third-Party Testing

Prioritize choosing an electrolyte supplement that is third-party tested (e.g., NSF Certified, Informed-Sport, Informed Choice). These certifications ensure the product is free from banned substances, contaminants, and meets label claims. For competitive athletes, this is essential for safety and peace of mind; for everyday users, it’s an extra layer of quality assurance in your supplement routine.

Benefits of Electrolyte Powders

Electrolyte powders offer a convenient way to replenish the essential minerals lost through sweat, exercise, illness, or daily activities. They can help support hydration more efficiently than water alone and are especially valuable for athletes, people in hot climates, or anyone whose fluid balance may be disrupted. Here are some benefits:

• Support hydration and maintain fluid balance. 
• Prevent muscle cramps, weakness, and fatigue by aiding proper muscle function. 
• Help recover from illness or heat by restoring electrolyte levels more quickly than water. 
• Enhance endurance and performance during prolonged or intense exercise.

How to Take Electrolytes

Electrolyte powders work best when thoroughly mixed with water. This ensures rapid absorption and helps the body restore balance efficiently. They are especially beneficial before, during, or after exercise, in hot or humid weather, or when recovering from sickness or dehydration. 

• Always dissolve electrolyte powder in the recommended amount of water for proper concentration and best taste.
• Drink electrolytes before, during, or after activity if exercising longer than an hour, in high heat or humidity, or at high altitudes.
• Use as needed after illness (vomiting, diarrhea) or episodes of heavy sweating.
• Adjust timing and amount based on your individual needs and consult a healthcare provider if you have medical conditions.

What to Avoid in Electrolyte Powders

Not all electrolyte supplements are created equal; some include unnecessary or potentially harmful additives. Read labels carefully to select clean, balanced products. Here are a few things to avoid in electrolyte powders:

• Excess added sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, which can cause energy crashes and upset digestion. 
• Artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners such as sucralose, aspartame, and certain dyes (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 5). 
• Preservatives like sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate, which may disrupt gut health or cause adverse reactions.

Frequently asked questions

A new study presented at the American Heart Association’s 2025 Scientific Sessions suggests that long-term prescription melatonin use could be associated with a higher risk of heart failure, hospitalization, and death.

While the findings are attention-grabbing, experts say they’re preliminary and don’t prove that melatonin directly causes heart problems.

Study Finds Higher Risk Among Long-Term Users

The five-year study tracked 130,828 adults with insomnia and found that people who took prescription melatonin for at least one year had a 90% higher chance of heart failure. Researchers analyzed data from the United States and the United Kingdom. While melatonin is available over-the-counter in the U.S., it’s prescription-only in the U.K.

Since the “melatonin” group in the study only included people who had been prescribed melatonin, it did not account for OTC use.

Since this was an observational study, it does not prove that melatonin directly caused heart failure. More studies, including gold-standard randomized controlled trials, are needed to validate these findings.

The new findings did not explain why melatonin may harm the heart. People who take melatonin long-term may have stress or sleep-related issues that actually cause heart failure.

“It may not necessarily be the melatonin, but it’s just the fact that sleep is extremely important and necessary for not just cardiovascular health, but overall health and well-being,” said Tochukwu M. Okwuosa, DO, FACC, FAHA, a cardiologist and a professor of internal medicine at Rush University, who was not involved with the study.

Why Long-Term Melatonin Use Isn’t Recommended

Estimates suggest that 5 million U.S. adults and 4 million U.S. children take melatonin each month, making it one of the most commonly used sleep aids. Its perceived safety and accessibility have driven growing use in recent years. These new findings underscore the importance of talking with a healthcare provider before using melatonin for an extended period.

Anyone who relies on melatonin nightly should consider seeing a sleep specialist to determine potential underlying issues like chronic insomnia or stress, Okwuosa said. People who don’t get enough sleep have a higher risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

Short-term melatonin use can help with certain sleep issues and may offer some cardiovascular benefits. Human and animal studies have suggested that melatonin can help relieve oxidative stress and improve left ventricular function in people with heart failure.

“If a patient is taking melatonin for a few days or a few weeks, I would not have any problems with it,” Okwuosa said.

Are There Alternatives to Melatonin?

Short-term melatonin use is generally safe, but it may interact with certain medications or cause daytime drowsiness, nausea, dizziness, or headaches in some people.

“The long-term implications of melatonin are unclear, and more studies should be done. At this time, I would recommend using it at the lowest dose possible, and for the shortest duration possible,” Jamie Alan, RPh, PharmD, PhD, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University, told Verywell in an email.

There are other medications, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Ambien (zolpidem), that can help with sleep. Talk with your healthcare provider if you are worried about melatonin or interested in these other medications, since they also come with risks, Alan added. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia may help address sleep problems without long-term medication use.